Over 100 rare Nguyen Dynasty artifacts showcased in Hue

VOV.VN - More than 100 rare artifacts from the Nguyen Dynasty are on display in the former imperial city of Hue, offering visitors a rare opportunity to explore the royal heritage, court rituals and master craftsmanship of Vietnam's last imperial dynasty.

The exhibition opened on July 10 at Long An Palace, organised by the Hue Monuments Conservation Centre. Running through October 9, it features more than 100 rare artifacts contributed by 23 private collectors from across Vietnam alongside treasures preserved by the Hue Museum of Royal Antiquities.

The exhibition presents objects crafted from gold, silver, enamel, inlaid bronze, ceramics, wood and textiles, reflecting the artistic sophistication and technical achievements of Nguyen-era artisans.

Exploring the grandeur of Vietnam’s last royal dynasty

over 100 rare nguyen dynasty artifacts showcased in hue picture 2 — A diverse collection of imperial artifacts crafted from different materials

The exhibition is organised into four thematic sections: Royal Authority, Court Rituals and Order, Master Craftsmanship and Fine Arts, and The Enduring Splendor of the Dynasty.

Together, these collections provide visitors with a comprehensive picture of political life, court culture and artistic traditions during the Nguyen Dynasty, which ruled Vietnam from 1802 to 1945.

over 100 rare nguyen dynasty artifacts showcased in hue picture 3 — For local residents and visitors, this is the first time they have seen such invaluable artifacts

Among the exhibition’s highlights are imperial swords, exquisite enamelware, commissioned porcelain dating back to the reigns of Emperors Gia Long and Minh Mang, and a silver plaque with bronze inscriptions presented by Emperor Khai Dinh to France.

According to organisers, each artifact serves not only as a masterpiece of craftsmanship but also as a historical witness preserving the legacy of Vietnam's imperial court.

Bringing together public and private collections

over 100 rare nguyen dynasty artifacts showcased in hue picture 4 — An early 20th-century gold tea set donated by collector Pham Duc Bao

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Hoang Viet Trung, director of the Hue Monuments Conservation Centre, emphasised Nguyen Dynasty artifacts represent important pieces of Vietnam's historical and cultural heritage.

He noted that every object embodies artistic value while reflecting the political, economic and cultural life of the period.

A distinctive feature of the exhibition is the combination of artifacts preserved by the Hue Museum of Royal Antiquities with valuable private collections that have been carefully safeguarded by collectors over many years.

The collaboration offers visitors a richer and more comprehensive understanding of life inside the Nguyen imperial court while highlighting the important role played by private collectors in preserving Vietnam's cultural heritage.

New donations enrich Hue's royal collections

over 100 rare nguyen dynasty artifacts showcased in hue picture 5 — The exhibition helps enrich collections of artifacts and archival materials for future research, conservation, and the promotion of Hue's cultural heritage

During the exhibition's opening, the Hue Monuments Conservation Centre also received several valuable donations from collectors, including an enameled plate, an imperial decree issued during Emperor Thanh Thai's reign, a wooden box used to store royal decrees, and a collection of official memorial documents dating from Emperor Duy Tan's reign relating to the restoration of Nguyen-era architectural works.

Organisers said the exhibition aims not only to introduce remarkable historical treasures to the public but also to strengthen cooperation between museums, researchers and private collectors, contributing to the preservation and promotion of Hue's rich cultural heritage for future generations.

over 100 rare nguyen dynasty artifacts showcased in hue picture 6 — The exhibition presents objects crafted from gold, silver, enamel, inlaid bronze, ceramics, wood and textiles, reflecting the artistic sophistication and technical achievements of Nguyen-era artisans

The Nguyen Dynasty (1802–1945), the last imperial dynasty of Vietnam, established Hue as the nation's capital for nearly a century and a half. During its more than 140 years of rule, the dynasty left behind a remarkable cultural legacy, including palaces, royal tombs, temples and tens of thousands of imperial artifacts that reflect the era's artistic excellence, craftsmanship and courtly life.

Today, many tangible and intangible heritage elements associated with the Nguyen Dynasty have been inscribed by UNESCO, underscoring the outstanding cultural significance of Hue and its enduring contribution to Vietnam's heritage and the world's cultural legacy.

Nguyen Dynasty throne returns to Hue Imperial Citadel after restoration

The Nguyen Dynasty (1802-1945) imperial throne, a recognised national treasure of Vietnam, officially returned to public display at Thai Hoa Palace in Hue Imperial Citadel on June 4, more than a year after being removed for restoration following a vandalism incident.